Police closed the park between 5pm on Saturday (July 14) and 5am on Sunday (July 15) without confirming any link to the previous day’s stabbing.

When asked for more information on the decision to close the park, Chief Inspector Craig Knight told the Advertiser there were fears that a "possible unlawful event" was going to take place and that the police presence was increased.

Thornton Heath Recreation Ground was closed to the public for 12 hours (Image: Google Street View)

Chief Insp Knight said: "The closure of the park was an unusual step and in direct response to concerns by the community of a possible unlawful event within the park during Saturday evening.

"The park re-opened as usual on Sunday morning.

"Police and partners had an increased presence in the area over the weekend to respond appropriately to any issues. The action taken was a preventative measure and I am delighted that no issues or disturbance arose."

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After the stabbing, at about 3.35pm omn Friday, as many as six police cars attended the scene according to eye-witnesses as well as London Ambulance Service (LAS) vehicles and an air ambulance helicopter.

The victim was rushed to a south London hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds.